Playground fundraiser to be held

Community groups plan to update the existing play equipment at Reeves Park

PHOENIXVILLE >> Two of the borough’s most prominent community clubs, Kiwanis Club and the Phoenixville Jaycees, have partnered on a new project aimed at helping families with special needs better enjoy their time together at a local park.

The two organizations plan to update the existing play equipment at Reeves Park in order to allow children and adults of various abilities, including physical disabilities and sensory challenges, to interact, play and learn together. The 4,000-square-foot upgrade will be located where the current swing set is situated, and will feature a new swing set. In addition, the playground itself will include a rubberized base for wheelchair access as well as a perimeter fence to ensure safety.

“The need is so great. Now is the time to make not only the Phoenixville playground more accessible but the town itself,” said Genevieve Barker, of the Kiwanis Club, who’s organizing the effort. “The playground is just one aspect.”

In order to reach the $300,000 budget for the park project, the two clubs will hold a series of fundraising events starting with the 24th annual Kiwanis Community Day this Saturday at Reeves Park. The event has two goals, Barker said, to raise awareness of the project and the need in the community.

“Families are aware this is happening,” she said. “It’s our responsibility to take care of families who need us and raise money.”

This year’s event is being revamped. While it will continue

“The need is so great. Now is the time to make not only the Phoenixville playground more accessible but the town itself.” — Genevieve Barker, of the Kiwanis Club

to feature flea market vendors, there will also be multiple community groups, organizations and businesses present to promote their group’s activities with an emphasis on all-abilities and inclusive play. There will be activities for children as well as entertainment throughout the day at the band shell from 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m. While the traditional chicken barbecue is being discontinued, the Kiwanis Club will sell coffee, donuts, hot dogs, hamburgers and other beverages.

The flea market will begin at 8 a.m. and all other events will kick off at 10 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. The Kiwanis Club is currently soliciting both flea market vendors as well as community organizations, businesses and entertainers.

Anyone interested in participating

should contact Chairman John Keenan at 610-933-3332 or at keenanjlj1@verizon.net for a vendor application. The cost of a flea market vendor space is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. The cost for a space for community nonprofit organizations is $50 and the cost for businesses is $100.